Support structure

ABSTRACT

A support structure ( 10 ) for use in a smoking article is disclosed, which is arranged to cause release of an additive from an additive release component ( 11 ) in response to application of compressive force, wherein the support structure changes the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure. An additive release system, a filter, a smoking article and a method of manufacturing said smoking article are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to additive release component support structures for use in smoking articles.

BACKGROUND

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products (i.e. products in which flavour is generated from a smoking material by the application of heat without causing combustion of the material). Typically, smoking articles are provided with filters for removing constituents from the smoke.

It is known to provide additive release components containing additives such as flavourants inside smoking articles. By applying force to the outside of the smoking article, the smoker may induce the release of the flavourant from additive release component. Thus, a smoker wishing to add flavour to the smoke may do so by simply squeezing the smoking article.

As the additive release components are located within the smoking article, it may be difficult for the user to release the additive. To overcome this problem, additive release components may be used from which additive is more easily released; however such additive release components may have an increased likelihood of accidental additive release. Furthermore, since additive release components are generally placed within smoking articles, it may be difficult for the user to determine whether or not the additive has been released from the additive release component.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a support structure for use in smoking article, the support structure being arranged to cause release of an additive from an additive release component when a compressive force is applied, wherein the support structure changes the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure.

In a second aspect, there is provided an additive release system comprising a support structure in accordance with the first aspect, and an additive release component.

In a third aspect, there is provided a filter for a smoking article. The filter comprises a support structure in accordance with the first aspect, or an additive release system in accordance with the second aspect.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a smoking article comprising a support structure in accordance with the first aspect, a support system in accordance with the second aspect, and/or a filter in accordance with the third aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings (not to scale), in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an additive release component support structure with additive release component in situ, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an additive release component support structure according to the first embodiment in a second, deformed state, in which the support structure is deformed, and the additive release component is ruptured;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an additive release component support structure with and without an additive release component, according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded side elevation view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to the second embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an additive release component support structure with additive release component in situ, according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows an additive release component support structure according to the third embodiment in a second state, in which the support structure is deformed, and the additive release component is ruptured;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded side elevation view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded side elevation view of a smoking article comprising two additive release component support structures, according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a smoking article filter comprising an additive release component support structure container according to a fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an additive release component support structure with additive release component in situ, according to a sixth embodiment; and

FIGS. 12A to 12C show an additive release component support structure with additive release component in situ, according to further embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An additive release component support structure is a structure which may support an additive release component and which may be positioned within a smoking article. The additive release component support structure allows, facilitates and/or enhances the controlled release of the additive from the additive release component. Release may be controlled, for example, in terms of the direction, the quantity, the velocity, the timing, and/or the duration of release. The additive release component support structure may also provide feedback to the user that the additive has been released from the additive release component.

Thus, by using an additive release component support structure in a smoking article, additive may easily be released from an additive release component by a user as and when desired, and furthermore the nature of the release can be precisely controlled. In addition, the user may be able to feel when the additive release component support structure has been actuated, and therefore can be confident that the additive has been released. Actuation of the additive release component support structure may also involve a noise such as a click, which may provide further feedback to the user that additive has been released from the additive release component.

The support structure may support the additive release component, for example the support structure may be arranged to receive the additive release component.

In some embodiments, the support structure retains the additive release component. The support structure may hold the additive release component. For example, the support structure may be shaped to receive or grip the additive release component, and/or the additive release component may be adhered or bound to the support structure.

In some embodiments, a smoking article may be produced by a method in which an additive release component is inserted into a support structure, and then a smoking article is produced which comprises the support structure.

In some embodiments, the support structure may have a substantially cylindrical configuration, and in this case, the centre of the cylinder may be arranged to receive the additive release component.

The support structure is actuatable to cause release of an additive from an additive release component. Actuation may be induced by the application of external force, such as by a compressive force.

The actuation of the support structure may be induced by external force applied to the support structure, which may be any type of force, such as a compressive or tensional force. In some embodiments, the external force may be applied to the support structure in an inward lateral direction. In other words, when the support structure is positioned within a smoking article, force may be applied to the external surface of the support structure, for example by squeezing the smoking article. In some embodiments, the support structure may have a cylindrical conformation, and the force may be applied to the curved, circumferential surface of the support structure.

External force applied to the support structure may be any sort of force, including a compressive force, or a tensional force. The external force may be applied directly to the support structure, or may be applied via other components of the smoking article, such as via one or more wrapping layers, and/or one or more sections of filter material, for example. Force exerted on the filter may be transmitted to a support structure positioned therein due to compression of the surrounding filter material. Alternatively, a portion of the support structure may protrude from, or be at or near the surface of the smoking article, and thus force may be exerted substantially directly on the support structure.

In some embodiments, the direction of compression is in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the smoking article in which the support structure is incorporated. Thus, by squeezing the appropriate section of the smoking article, the support structure may be actuated.

In some embodiments, the support structure is a solid shaped article.

The support structure may, in some embodiments, provide a rigid reaction surface i.e. the support structure is stiff, hard and/or difficult to bend. The support structure may be formed from a single part or may be made from multiple parts that are held together to provide sufficient rigidity to substantially resist compression upon actuation of the support structure, so that the compressive force is transmitted to the additive release component.

In some embodiments, the force applied to the support structure is only transmitted to and/or is focused on particular parts of the additive release component. In some embodiments, the support structure has an inner surface with restricted areas over which it will contact the additive release component, for example due to the shape of the inner surface of the support structure. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by the provision of one or more protrusions on the inner surface of the support structure which may, for example, puncture the additive release component. In other embodiments, the support structure may have a folded or undulating inner surface.

The support structure may comprise a deformable section. In some embodiments, the rest of the support structure is substantially resistant to being deformed by the compressive force applied. The deformable section may be resiliently or plastically deformable. The deformable section may comprise a tapered projection.

The deformable section may have the form of a hinged arm. Alternatively, the deformable section may be a section of the circumferential surface of the capsule holder, which may be formed between two weakened sections in the circumferential surface.

In some embodiments, the region of deformation of the support structure is not predefined.

The support structure may provide a reaction surface against which the additive release component may be compressed. In addition, or alternatively, the support structure may comprise a protrusion, such as a tapered projection, wherein actuation involves the additive release component and the protrusion, for example, the tapered projection, being compressed or pressed together.

In response to external force, the additive release component support structure may induce the release of the additive from the additive release component via any possible mechanism. The support structure may be configured to transmit actuating force to the additive release component to induce the release of the additive via any suitable mechanism. The release may be, for example, a pumped release, a directional release, a multi-stage release or a single release of additive. The type of release may be dependent, for example, upon the particular type and shape of the support structure and additive release component used, and the materials from which they are manufactured.

The additive release component support structure may induce the release of the additive from the additive release component in a single dose, in multiple doses, or by means of a variable release, for example in which the release is proportional to the strength or duration of force applied to the support structure. This may be achieved by appropriate selection of the material from which the support structure is manufactured. For example, if the support structure is moulded from a flexible plastic, then upon the application of force, following the actuation, the support structure may return to its original conformation. In this case, depending on the nature of the additive release component, further additive may be released from the additive release component by subsequent applications of force to the support structure. On the other hand, if the support structure is made from an inflexible material, such as an inflexible plastic, then as the support structure is actuated, it may break. Such an arrangement may limit the support structure to a single actuation, and thus the additive release component may deliver a single release of additive.

Actuation of the support structure may be accompanied by an audible sound or a perceivable structural change in the support structure. Therefore, the user may easily be able to determine whether or not the additive has been released from the additive release component.

The support structure may comprise a moulded plastics material, for example, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or polyvinyl alcohol.

The size and shape of the additive release component support structure is preferably determined in combination with the size and shape of the additive release component to be used. In this way, the additive release component may be supported by the support structure, and the support structure may offer physical protection to the additive release component until such time that the release of the additive is required.

The smoke that is drawn along the smoking article may pass through the additive release component support structure. Therefore, to minimise obstruction to the smoke, the support structure is preferably substantially hollow and/or may include gaps and/or channels when an additive release component is positioned within the support structure, to permit airflow through the structure so that the support structure and additive release component do not obstruct the pathway of the smoke and any ventilating air flowing through the filter within which they are located. Such obstruction could adversely affect the pressure drop.

The additive release component support structure may be smaller than the diameter of the smoking article in which it is to be used. For example, the support structure may have a generally cylindrical shape, the outer circumference being smaller than the diameter of the accompanying smoking article. Thus, a support structure for use within the filter of a king-size smoking article may have a diameter of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm. In contrast, a support structure for use within the filter of a superslim smoking article may have a diameter of approximately 3 mm to 7 mm.

In general, the additive release component support structure is typically of a length between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm, such about 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 9 mm in length.

In one embodiment, the additive release component support structure has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to that of the smoking article in which the support structure is to be used. For example, support structures for use in conventional cigarettes may be circular in cross-section. The reason for this is that the support structure may also function to provide shape, format, or strength to the smoking article.

In some embodiments, the additive release component support structure has a size which is substantially smaller than the diameter of the smoking article. In this case, one or more support structures may be distributed throughout the smoking article.

In some embodiments, the support structure has a size which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional size of the smoking article into which it is to be incorporated. In such embodiments, the support structure will not be surrounded by a layer of material, such as filter material, or by a void or gap. Rather, the support structure may, for example, be surrounded merely by the tipping paper, paper wrapper and/or plugwrap, or other wrapper surrounding the relevant part of the smoking article.

The additive release component support structure may comprise on its outer surface one or more pimples, grooves, raised elements, or any other deviation from a smooth surface. In addition, or as an alternative, the support structure may be hexagonal or other polygonal, elliptical, or irregular shape in cross-section, rather than circular. Such elements may be detectable to the user of the smoking article, and may thus provide an indication of the position of the additive release component support structure in the smoking article filter, and the region of the support structure to which actuating force must be applied in order to induce the release of additive from the additive release component.

The additive release component support structure may be a moulded plastic structure. In some embodiments, the support structure is manufactured from a biodegradable plastic such as PLA (polylactic acid), CA (cellulose acetate) or PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol). In other embodiments, the support structure may be produced using any moldable plastic, ceramic, starch, card, paper, fluted wrap, or other suitable material known to the skilled person. The material from which the support structure is manufactured may, in some embodiments, be transparent or translucent.

In some embodiments, the additive release component support structure may be at least partially visible to the user, for example, via a transparent window portion in the filter tipping paper. In this case, the support structure may be made from a clear, colourless material. Alternatively, the support structure may be coloured. For example, the support structure may comprise a colouring agent. The colouring agent may also be used to render more easily the location of the support structure within the filter during the manufacturing process.

The additive release component support structure may also function to provide the consumer with a sensation upon actuation. This may be achieved, for example, by the support structure producing an audible sound when actuated, and/or by the support structure undergoing perceptible change in shape upon actuation.

In some embodiments, the additive component support structure may be manufactured by a process in which a rod or tube having a suitable internal and/or external shape is initially manufactured. For example, the rod or tube may be extruded, or may be shaped or stamped, for example from a sheet of suitable material. Next, the rod or tube is sliced or otherwise separated into individual units, each of which is a single support structure.

In some embodiments the support structure comprises a shaped tube having a cross sectional shape which will hold and support an additive release component. In some embodiments, the support structure will be shaped to transmit compressive force to an additive release component located within the inner void. Upon application of a compressive force to the external surface of the support structure, the compressive force will be transmitted to the surface of the additive release component. Where there is localised contact between the support structure and the additive release component, the force may be focused at this location. In some embodiments, this localised transmission of force enables the additive release components to be ruptured upon application of less force than would be required to rupture the additive release component in situ in a conventional filter without the support structure.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the support structure provides channels through which air may flow. The channels may be located between the support structure and the additive release component and/or external to the support structure, as indentations or grooves in the outer surface which may form channels between the outer surface of the support structure and the part of the smoking article into which it is incorporated.

In some embodiments, the support structure is a fluted tube. The fluting may, for example, be smooth and undulating, irregular, angular or castellated.

In some embodiments, the material of such support structures may comprise or consist of sheet materials including, for example: cellulose acetate, which may be extruded or provided as a sheet and then thermoformed, for example to provide a fluted cross-sectional shape; cellulose diacetate, such as Clarifoil®, optionally shaped by thermoforming techniques; or a hotmelt material including EVA, PU, metallocene catalyzed polymers, APAO, polyamide and block copolymers, such as Henkel Techomelt® Q2237, hot melt technologies.

In some embodiments, the additive release component is combined with the support structure prior to insertion of the combination (also referred to as the additive release system) into the desired part of the smoking article. Insertion into the smoking article may occur at the same time as assembly of the smoking article.

In some embodiments, the support structure is shaped so that once inserted into the support structure, the additive release component is held in place, for example by vanes or the shape of the support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a deformable section and this section may be deformed to insert the additive release component and it then returns to its original configuration so that the additive release component is held in position within the support structure. Where the support structure holds the additive release component this can help to ensure that the two components are correctly inserted into a smoking article.

In other embodiments, the additive release component may be held in the support structure by a friction fit, the inner diameter of the support structure being no greater than the outer diameter of the additive release component as they are aligned when combined.

In other embodiments, additive release components may be inserted into a rod or tube which is to be slice or otherwise divided into sections to form individual support structures. Upon slicing or otherwise dividing the tube or rod, support structures are formed which are already associates with an additive release component.

The additive release component may be anything which is capable of carrying an additive, and releasing the additive as and when required. Release may be induced in response to external force imparted on the smoking article, for example by the user's fingers, via the additive release component support structure.

Additive release components may comprise an outer shell and a central core, wherein the additive is held in the central core. The outer shell may be frangible, plastically deformable, or resiliently deformable. The core may simply be a cavity in which the WO 2012/156695 PCT/GB2012/051039 additive is held. Alternatively, the core may comprise a sponge-like material, an adsorbent material, or a gel material, in which the additive is held. The additive release component may comprise an outer shell and an inner core. The outer shell may be frangible, resiliently deformable, or plastically deformable.

In the embodiments shown in the accompanying FIGS. 1-9, the smoking article comprises a capsule which is a capsule comprising an additive in a central core. In other embodiments, however, other types of additive release component may be used to carry the additive. For example, the additive release component may comprise a sponge-like material (as shown in the accompanying FIG. 10), an adsorbent material, a gel material, or any other suitable material.

The additive may be released from the additive release component by any suitable means. For example, force exerted on the additive release component by the user via the additive release component support structure may induce release of the additive. The force may be an external force, such as a compressive force exerted by the user squeezing the smoking article or support structure. Release of the additive may, for example, involve rupture of the additive release component, or alternatively, squeezing the additive from an additive release component comprising a porous or sponge-like material.

In some embodiments, including that shown in the accompanying FIGS. 1-9, the outer wall of the additive release component, which may be made of gelatine, comprises an inner core filled with the additive.

In some embodiments, including that shown in the accompanying FIG. 10, a sponge-like material, which may be compressible, may be used to carry the additive. The additive may be distributed within the sponge-like material, and optionally, absorbed by the sponge-like material, which may release the additive when compressed. A sponge-like material may be a body of absorbent material impregnated with the additive, which is progressively compressible and configured to release at least a part of the additive contents when partly compressed. The sponge-like material may comprise a matrix with a closed cell structure, in particular, a closed cell foam structure. The dosed cell foam defines a matrix having a plurality of small cavities which may contain additive. The cavities are closed by the foam material, retaining the additive until selective release. On application of a compressive force, the closed cell foam may be configured to release additive.

The closed cell foam substrate does not require an outer shell to retain the additive, and so may form the additive release component without an outer shell. However, the additive release component may alternatively comprise a coating on the surface of the sponge-like material, which may form an outer shell encompassing the sponge-like material. This outer material may function to retain the additive within the sponge-like material until release of the contents is desired, at which time, external force exerted by the user via the support structure may rupture the outer shell and squeeze the additive from the sponge-like material.

In some embodiments, the additive release component may be a porous material which is capable of carrying an additive. This material may be, for example, an adsorbent material, or a gel material.

The additive release component support structure may comprise a plurality of additive release components, which may be similar or different additive release components. In this case, the support structure may induce the actuation of all of the additive release components by a single actuating mechanism, or alternatively, the support structure may be designed to carry additive release components which are independently actuatable by means of separate actuation mechanisms of the support structure. When multiple additive release components are used, they may contain similar or a combination of different additives. The plurality of additives may chemically react, for example, to produce an exothermic or endothermic reaction. The additives could be an organic acid and an alcohol which react to form an ester.

The additive release component may be an entirely separate entity to the additive release component support structure, or may comprise an integral part of the support structure. For example, part of the support structure may be manufactured to comprise a sealed chamber which serves as an additive release component and contains the additive.

The size and shape of the additive release component may be determined on the basis of the dimensions of the support structure with which the additive release component is to be used. The size of the additive release component may also be dependent on the volume of additive required. Consideration may be given, however, to the fact that the presence of the additive release component in the filter should maintain acceptable filtration or draw characteristics of the filter.

The additive release component may be within the range 0.1 mm to 12 mm in length, and more preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm in length.

When a plurality of additive release components are used, the additive release components may be of the same or of different sizes.

The additive release component may be formed in a variety of physical formations. For example, the additive release component may be a capsule which may be a singular part or multipart capsule, a large capsule, a small capsule, a microcapsule, etc. A number of different additive release component configurations may be suitable, for example, the additive release component may be generally spherical (as described in respect of the preferred embodiments), ovoid, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, or may have any other shape.

In some embodiments, the support structure reduces the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure.

The support structure may be used with an additive release component which cannot be manually compressed to release the additive in the absence of the support structure, but can be manually compressed to release the additive in the presence of the support structure. Such an additive release component may, for example, comprise an outer shell comprising a hard material which cannot be ruptured by the application of compressive force in the absence of the support structure, but can be ruptured by the application of compressive force in the presence of the support structure.

In the absence of the support structure, a compressive force of greater magnitude would need to be applied by the user of the smoking article to initiate rupture and/or deformation of the outer shell of the additive release component compared to the compressive force that would be required in the presence of the support structure.

Since the additive release component is actuated by the additive release component support structure, it may, in some embodiments, be more robust than additive release components that have been used previously in smoking articles. This is because force exerted by the user's fingers is focused by the additive release component support structure on a small area of the additive release component, which increases the intensity of the force on the additive release component.

Conventional capsules which are incorporated into a smoking article filter without a support structure generally have a crush strength no greater than 2.3 kp in order to ensure that the capsule is sufficiently frangible to enable the consumer to break the capsule without requiring the application of excessive pressure when squeezing the filter. Sometimes, conventional capsules with crush strengths no greater than 2.1 kp, or no greater than 1.9 kp may be preferred for the same reason. 1 kp is a unit of force equal to 1 kilogramme-force, which is approximately 90.8 Newtons (N).

The presence of the additive release component support structure facilitates the release of the additive from the additive release component, preferably reducing the compressive force than must be applied. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the additive release component support structure may be used with additive release components having a crush strength of greater than 2.5 kp, greater than 2.6 kp, greater than 2.7 kp, greater than 2.8 kp, greater than 2.9 kp or greater than 3 kp.

The crush strength referred to herein refers to the initial crush strength Ci of the additive release component as measured before smoking (in a dry state), by continuously applying a load vertically onto one particle until rupture using a LLOYD-CHATILLON Digital Force Gauge, Model DFIS 50, having a capacity of 25 Kg, a resolution of 0.02 Kg, and an accuracy of +/−0.15%. The force gauge is attached to a stand and the additive release component is positioned in the middle of a plate that is moved up with a manual thread screw device. Pressure is then applied manually and the gauge records the maximum force applied at the very moment of the rupture of the additive release component (measured in kg). Rupture of the additive release component results in the release of the additive held within the component.

The additive release component support structure may comprise a protrusion, projection, point, a tapered edge, or other tapered projection or region having a small surface area, which upon actuation of the support structure, contacts the additive release component. In this way, external pressure applied to the support structure may be focused on a small region of the surface of the additive release component. For example, when the additive release component is a spherical capsule, by means of the tapered projection, the support structure may directed the force radially though the centre of the capsule, thus localizing the force over a small area for piercing rupture, maximising ease of rupture.

In some embodiments, the support structure increases the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure.

Thus, the additive release component support structure also facilitates the use of additive release components that are less robust than those that it has previously been possible to use in smoking articles. This is because the additive release component is protected from accidental actuation and/or damage due to its being supported within the support structure. For conventional capsules which are used without a support structure, the minimum crush strength of the capsule should generally be at least 0.5 kp so that the capsule is sufficiently robust to resist being prematurely or accidentally crushed during the manufacture of the cigarette.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the additive release component support structure may be used with additive release components having a crush strength of less than 0.5 kp, less than 0.25 kp or less than 0.2 kp may be used.

Thus, the additive release component support structure permits the use of a much broader range of potential additive release component actuation tolerances than was previously possible. Additive release components may be used having a crush strength of between 0.1 kp and 3 kp.

Additive release components may be used which have a point of weakness in the area at which the additive release component support structure makes contact with the additive release component. This regional additive release component resilience may be achieved in a number of ways. For example, the additive release component may be a capsule which is elliptical or ovoid and consequently demonstrate an increased resistance to rupture when force is exerted in one direction versus another. Alternatively, regional resilience may be achieved using an additive release component which has been specifically strengthened in certain areas. Such an additive release component may be, for example, an additive release component having an increased shell thickness in selected areas. Naturally, a similar effect may be achieved by weakening the additive release component wall in certain areas.

In some embodiments, the additive release component may be a double-layered component. For example, the additive release component may be a capsule that is further encapsulated in a second encapsulating layer, or a sheath, or the like. This may allow greater protection from accidental or premature actuation or breakage, or incidental leakage. In this way, single wall or multi-wall additive release components may be used to tailor stability, strength, rupture resistance, processing ease in filter making, etc.

In the embodiments shown in the accompanying FIGS. 1-9, the additive release component support structure has particular structural features, such as arms 12, flanges 25, or a strut 32, which are designed to receive the additive release component. In other embodiments, however, the additive release component support structure does not have any particular design features to receive the additive release component. In this case, the additive release component may simply be adhered to a portion of the inside surface of the support structure. In other embodiments, the additive release component is not adhered, but is retained within the additive release component support structure by some other means, for example, due to being trapped within the support structure between two filter sections of a composite filter.

In some embodiments, the additive release component is a capsule which is constructed from a frangible material. In one embodiment the additive release component is composed of a low solubility, high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol. A number of suitable alternative materials are known, and by way of example, additive release components typically utilized in the pharmaceutical industry may be used. Such additive release components may be gelatin based, for example, or may be formed from a polymeric material, such as modified cellulose. One type of modified cellulose which may be used is hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Many biodegradable materials are known which may be suitable for use in the production of additive release components and these include high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, polylactic acid, plastarch material, polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, a polyhydroxyalkanoate such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and zein-derived bioplastics.

Alternatively, the additive release component may comprise a hollow foodstuff material, such as, for example, pasta, or extruded hollow tubing of reconstituted tobacco material. The inner walls of the additive release component material may advantageously be coated with a varnish or waterproof material, such as silicone, to preserve the rigidity of the additive release component material by preventing absorption of, or degradation by, the liquid contents over a prolonged period.

The additive release component may alternatively be comprised of a wax, resin, natural or synthetic gum, latex or plastic material which retains its shape and strength at room temperature and at smoking temperature but which is rupturable upon action of the additive release component support structure. Examples of suitable waxes include beeswax, candelilla, carnauba, shellac wax, caranday, sugarcane wax, myrtle wax and petroleum wax.

Suitable resins include epoxy resins, terpene resins, petroleum resins, ester gum, phenolic resins and rosin based resins. Preferred gums include gum arabic, locust bean, guar, alginates, carrageenan and pectin.

In some embodiments in which the additive release component comprises a sponge-like porous material, any suitable sponge-like material may be used. The sponge-like material may be a foamed material, which may be a foamed plastic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).

The additive release component may be coloured. For example, the additive release component may comprise a colouring agent. The colouring agent may be used to render more easily the location of the additive release component and additive release component support structure within the filter during the manufacturing process. Alternatively or additionally, the colouring agent may provide an interesting and attractive appearance to the smoking article, particularly if the additive release component support structure or structures are intended to be only partially enclosed within the filter material, or if the tipping paper is intended to have a transparent window portion. If a coloured additive release component is to be used, it may be used in combination with a colourless transparent support structure.

Alternatively or in addition, the additive held in the additive release component may be coloured. This may give the user an additional, visual indication that the additive has been successfully released, as the additive may be seen to migrate out of the additive release component. This may be particularly useful if the additive release component comprises a combination of additives, wherein one of the additives is coloured, and thereby serves to indicate release of the other, colourless, additive(s).

When the additive is coloured, it may be desirable for the support structure to assist the directional release of additive into a region of the smoking article or smoking article filter in which the colour will be observed. For example, the additive may be directionally released into a peripheral region of the smoking article, such as a circumferential region or towards the mouth end. The coloured additive may be directionally released into a section of the smoking article that is visible via a transparent window portion.

The additive release component may be manufactured using any suitable method, the method of manufacture of the additive release component being dependent on the precise composition and make-up required. Suitable methods of additive release component manufacture may include techniques such as co-extrusion, spin coating, coacervation, interfacial polymerization, solvent evaporation, and annular jet forming.

In some embodiments in which the additive release component is a seamless capsule, the capsule may be produced using a co-extrusion process. The co-extrusion process is a synchronous extrusion of the two liquids that will subsequently form the shell and the capsule contents (or “core”), which in this case is the additive. The first (co-extrusion) step involves forming a droplet having the liquid additive inside the liquid shell material. After the co-extrusion step, the “capsule” is solidified by cooling or by immersion in a curing agent, for example. The capsules may then be subjected to various treatments, such as washing, removal of surplus liquid, colouring, application of additional coatings, etc.

Alternatively, an annular jet forming technique may be used. This method utilises two concentric jets to eject an inner jet of liquid core material and an outer jet of liquid shell material. The fluid stream breaks into droplets and the liquid shell material solidifies by phase transition induced by the presence of cross-linking ions, pH differences, temperature changes, etc.

In some embodiments in which the additive release component comprises a wax capsule, the capsule may be formed, for example, by a method comprising freezing a solution of the liquid core material until small crystals are formed. According to this method, the crystals are then dropped into molten wax and removed by spatula after a wax coat has formed around the cold crystals. The frozen core material gradually becomes liquid as the coated capsule reaches room temperature.

Foamed sponge-like materials may be made using a foamed extrusion process.

The additive held within the additive release component may be a flavourant, deodoriser, adsorbent, diluent or any other substance that is capable of modifying the smoke. In some embodiments the additive may be menthol or water.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

The flavour may be a tobacco flavour. Where the flavour is delivered in liquid form, the tobacco flavour could be derived from tobacco extract. Where the additive is in solid form, the additive may be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco material in shredded, particulate or granular form.

The additive may be a solid, such as a powder, a liquid, such as a liquid flavourant, deodoriser, water, etc, or a gas, such as an aromatic composition.

The additive may be an adsorbent which may be in granular, powdered, particulate, or any other suitable form. In this case, the adsorbent material preferably has particle sizes of less than 500 μm and preferably less than 100 μm. More preferably the adsorbent material has a mean particle size of less than 50 μm. The particle size is considered to be the diameter of the particle. In some embodiments, the adsorbent material has a particle size or mean particle size of 200-700 μm.

Suitably the adsorbent material is selected from a group of relatively high surface area materials. The material may have a high or a low specificity for particular smoke constituents. Suitable adsorbents include carbon, activated carbon, activated charcoal, activated coconut carbon, activated coal-based carbon or charcoal, zeolite, silica gel, sepiolite, clay, aluminium oxide (activated or not), carbonaceous resin or combinations thereof. Preferably the adsorbent material is carbon and more preferably is activated carbon or charcoal. In some embodiments, activated coconut carbon is used.

An example of a suitable coal-based charcoal is one made from semi-anthracite coal with a density about 50% greater than coconut-based charcoal (available from Calgon Carbon, Pittsburgh, Pa., WA).

An example of a suitable carbonaceous resin is one derived from the pyrolysis of sulphonated styrene-divinyl benzene, such as Ambersorb 572 or Ambersorb 563 (available from Rohm and Haas). To enhance the efficiency of the general adsorbent metal oxides or other metal based complexes may optionally be included in or impregnated on the general adsorbent section.

Any adsorbent material may be used as a single substance or a mixture, and/or may be in admixture with other material.

The filter may comprise a composite filter, and in this case, one of the filter sections, such as a mouth end, central, or tobacco rod end filter section may comprise a support system. The filter may comprise a plurality of support structures, for example the filter may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 support structures.

The filter may comprise an indicator to indicate the area or areas of the filter on which force should be applied in order to actuate the support structure.

In some embodiments, the support structure is aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article into which it is inserted, and the support structure substantially fills the cross-section of the filter. In some embodiments, the combination of the support structure and additive release component includes pathways through which airflow is possible, thus providing a pathway for smoke and an ventilating air to pass through, preferably without adversely affecting pressure drop.

The support structure may induce the release of additive into the filter in any specific direction. The direction may be predetermined by the shape and structure of the additive release component and/or support structure. The additive may be directionally released towards a particular region of the filter. The region may be, for example, a cavity, or a particular region of filter material, such as a peripheral region of the smoking article filter. The region into which the additive is released may comprise an active component, such as a second additive, which may or may not be held by an additive release component.

The filter may comprise a composite filter. The filter may comprise a means of indicating the area of the filter on which force should be applied in order to actuate the support structure. For example, the support structure may have a surface that is detectable through any layers of wrapping of the smoking article, and/or the smoking article surface may comprise a printed graphic or other visual indication. The support structure may be visible within the smoking article via a window in the filter plugwrap and tipping papers.

In some embodiments, the additive release component support structure is situated within a composite filter, for example between two sections of filter material. In the case of a triple filter, the filter sections comprise a mouth end section and a section at the smokeable material end of the filter.

In some embodiments, the additive release component support structure may be situated in the centre of the filter, that is, the two sections of filter material may be of equal size. Alternatively, the support structure may be situated away from the centre, towards one or other end of the filter. Indeed, in some embodiments, the filter may simply be a dual filter comprising a support structure and a section of filter material at the mouthpiece end.

In some embodiments, the filter is attached to the rod of smokeable material by means of a tipping paper in a known manner. If a non-transparent tipping paper is used, then the filter may comprise a means of indicating the position of the additive release component support structure and the area in which force should be applied in order to actuate the support structure.

Since some of the additive release components of the invention are designed to directionally release additive, then the orientation in which the additive release component is inserted into the smoking article or smoking article filter should be controlled.

The smoking article may comprise one or more additive release components that are arranged to directionally release additive towards a particular region of the smoking article or smoking article filter, which may be any region of the smoking article or smoking article filter.

This region may comprise a material which is activated by the additive released from the additive release component. For example this material may comprise a solid that is active when in solution, and is thus activated by the action of additive in the form of water or a specific solvent.

The target region of directional additive release may be a cavity within the centre of the filter, which may or may not comprise other active materials. For example, the cavity may comprise crystalline flavourant, which may be activated when additive in the form of a solvent is directionally released into the cavity to contact the crystals. Alternatively, the cavity may comprise a material which is sensitive to additive in the form of water, for example, a material which in contact with water changes colour, dissolves, makes a sound, emits a flavour or an odour, etc.

The particular region to which additive is directed may be a region of filter material comprising a solid material in the form of small granules evenly distributed within the material. Such an arrangement may be useful, for example, when a granular crystalline flavourant is to be used in combination with an additive release component comprising a solvent additive. In this case, a plurality of additive release components may be used, from which additive may be sequentially released to provide flavourant over the duration of use of the smoking article. In this arrangement, additive may be directed into the same or different regions of the granule-containing filter material.

The region to which additive is directed may be a peripheral region of the smoking article or smoking article filter, such as a region at or near the circumferential surface of the smoking article, or at the mouth end of the filter. Such an arrangement may be suitable, for example, when the additive is coloured, to provide an interesting appearance to the smoking article, and/or to provide a visual indication that the additive has been released, for example, where the additive release component comprises a combination of coloured and colourless additives. This arrangement may also be suitable when the additive is an odorant, to facilitate diffusion of the odour out of the smoking article.

A smoking article or smoking article filter may comprise two or more additives, each carried within a separate additive release component, which may be carried in similar or separate support structures. This arrangement may be suitable, for example, when the two or more additives chemically react, or where the additives are subject to oxidation, diffusion, or other means of loss of intensity over time.

The two or more additive release components may be arranged to directionally release additive towards each other. Such an arrangement may be useful, for example, where the additives chemically react, such as to produce an exothermic or endothermic reaction, or a reaction in which an odour or a gas is evolved, or a colour or other visual effect is produced.

The two or more additive release components may be arranged to directionally release additive towards a common region of the filter. This may be suitable where a significant quantity of additive is required to be supplied to a particular region of the filter, for example, where the additive is water, and the target region of the filter comprises a water sensitive material, such as a water swellable, water soluble, or water degradable material.

In some embodiments, the filter comprises a transparent window which allows visualisation of the additive release component support structure and/or additive release component within the filter. In this way the user is able to visualize the additive release component within the filter, and may be able to visually determine whether the additive has been released.

In some embodiments, a transparent window may be provided in a filter plug wrap and/or tipping paper. The window may extend around the entire circumference of the smoking article. It may be restricted to the area where the support structure and additive release components are located, so that just these are visible. Alternatively, the window may be larger, so that adjacent parts of the smoking article, such as adjacent plugs of filter material are at least partially visible.

The support structure may be transparent or translucent, or comprise a transparent or translucent section to enable the user to see the additive release component.

In some embodiments, the relevant part of the smoking article, such as the filter, may comprise a means of indicating the area of the smoking article on which force should be applied in order to actuate the support structure. For example, the support structure may have a surface that is detectable through any layers of wrapping of the smoking article, and/or the smoking article surface may comprise a printed graphic or other visual indication.

To produce the effect of a transparent window, the tipping paper may comprise a single piece of transparent material, which can be, but is not limited to, one of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cellulose acetate film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene oxide (PEOX), polyethylene, cellophane, Natureflex™, polylactic acid, plastarch material, polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, a polyhydroxyalkanoate such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, and zein-derived bioplastics. The tipping paper may have an opaque coating on certain portions to leave a transparent uncoated section which defines the window.

The filter sections may be formed as separate sections of filtration material wrapped in a porous sheet material. The filter sections and the additive release component support structure are preferably not directly connected to each other, but rather are connected only by the means of a wrapping paper, or indeed by the tipping paper.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an additive release component support structure 10 according to a first embodiment.

An additive release component 11 is positioned within the additive release component support structure 10. In this embodiment the additive release component is a frangible spherical capsule containing an additive.

The additive release component support structure 10 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder. The circumference of the cylinder matches or is slightly smaller than that of the smoking article filter in which the support structure is to be used. Projecting into the central cavity of the cylinder are three arms 12. As shown in FIG. 1B, the ends of the arms facing the centre of the support structure are shaped to receive the capsule 11.

The additive release component support structure 10 comprises in the circumferential surface, two weakened sections 13. In this embodiment, the weakened sections of the additive release component support structure are formed by means of the support structure having a reduced thickness in these regions.

As shown in FIG. 2, external force exerted on the circumferential surface of the additive release component support structure in the direction of arrow A, applied for example by the user's fingers, results in the deformation of the support structure. In particular, a deformable section 14 of the additive release component support structure, situated between the two weakened sections 13, is induced by the external force to buckle and assume a concave configuration. The deformable section 14 of the support structure does not comprise any of the arms 12.

Deformation in this way reduces the internal volume of the additive release component support structure. As a result, the capsule, which is held in place by the arms 12 of the support structure, is crushed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rupture of the capsule 11 is aided by means of a pointed projection 15 situated on the inner surface of the deformable section 14. When the deformable section of the additive release component support structure is induced to deform, force exerted on the capsule is concentrated over a small area, increasing the ease with which the capsule is ruptured.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to a first embodiment. The smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material 16, and a filter 17. The filter 17 is a triple filter arrangement, in which the support structure 10 is situated between two sections of cellulose acetate filter material 18 and 19. The support structure 10 comprises an additive release component 11, which in this case is a frangible capsule. The filter sections are combined to form the filter 17 by means of a plugwrap (not shown), and attached to the rod of smokeable material 16 by means of a tipping paper (not shown) in a known manner.

In use, force exerted on the filter 17 in the region of the deformable section 14 of the additive release component support structure 10, by the user, causes deformation of the support structure, as described above, and rupture of the capsule 11. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule, which in this embodiment is a flavourant (menthol), is released and may be entrained in the smoke that is drawn through the filter by the user.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an additive release component support structure 20 according to a second embodiment.

An additive release component 21 is positioned within the additive release component support structure 20. In this embodiment the additive release component is a frangible spherical capsule containing an additive.

The outer circumference of the additive release component support structure 20 matches or is slightly smaller than that of the smoking article filter in which the support structure is to be used. The support structure 20 has the form of a ring or hollow cylinder having a number of axial corrugations 22. In the embodiment shown, the support structure has 8 corrugations. In other embodiments, the support structure may have between 2 and 16 corrugations. For example, the support structure may have 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 corrugations.

On the outer circumferential surface of the additive release component support structure 20 the corrugations are in the form of axial grooves 23. On the inner surface of the support structure, the corrugations have tapered ends 24, which project into the central core of the support structure 20.

As shown in FIG. 4B, an additive release component 21 may be positioned within the centre of the additive release component support structure 20. The ends of the projections 24 are shaped to receive the additive release component 21. In particular, the distance between the tapered ends of opposing projections 24 is greater than the diameter of the capsule 21. The capsule is retained within the additive release component support structure by means of flanges 25 on the projections 24.

The axial corrugations 22 reduce the rigidity of the additive release component support structure 20, particularly in response to laterally applied force, applied to the additive release component support structure in any lateral direction. In response to such force, applied for example by the user's fingers, the additive release component support structure 20 deforms from an approximately circular into a more elliptical cross-sectional shape.

In contrast to the additive release component support structure of the first embodiment, the deformable section of the support structure of the second embodiment is not predefined, but is determined by the location at which force is applied to the support structure.

Deformation in response to externally applied force reduces the distance between at least one pair of opposing projections 24 of the additive release component support structure 20. As a result, the capsule, which is held between the projections 24, is crushed. Rupture of the capsule 21 is aided by the fact that the projections 24 have tapered ends. As a result, force exerted on the capsule is concentrated over a small area, increasing the ease with which the capsule is ruptured.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to the second embodiment. The smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material 26, and a filter 27. The filter 27 is a triple filter arrangement, in which the additive release component support structure 20 is situated between two sections of cellulose acetate filter material, 28 and 29. The additive release component support structure 20 comprises an additive release component 21. The filter sections are combined to form the filter 27 by means of a plugwrap (not shown), and attached to the rod of smokeable material 26 by means of a tipping paper (not shown) in a known manner.

In use, force exerted on the filter 27 in the region of the additive release component support structure 20 in any lateral direction, by the user, causes deformation of the support structure, as described above, and rupture of the capsule 21. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule is released, and may be entrained in the smoke that is drawn through the filter by the user.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an additive release component support structure 30 according to a third embodiment.

An additive release component 31 is positioned within the additive release component support structure 30. In this embodiment the additive release component is a frangible spherical capsule containing an additive.

In this embodiment, in cross section the outer circumference of the additive release component support structure 30 is not in the form of a complete circle, but rather has the form of a circular arc or ‘C-shape’. In other words, the support structure 30 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder that is missing a section of the circumferential surface.

In other respects, the additive release component support structure 30 of the third embodiment is similar to the support structure 10 of the first embodiment. The circumference of the cylinder matches or is slightly smaller than that of the smoking article filter in which the support structure is to be used.

The capsule fits within the central cavity of the cylinder and is held in position by means of a strut 32 and a thickened wall section 33. As shown in FIG. 6B, one end of the strut 32 and the thickened wall section 33 are joined to form a base which is shaped to receive the capsule 31.

The additive release component support structure 30 comprises in the circumferential surface, a weakened section 34. The weakened section 34 separates the section of the support structure which retains the capsule (comprising the strut 32 and thickened wall section 33) from a deformable section of the additive release component support structure which has the form of a hinged arm 35.

In use, the weakened section 34 functions as a hinge or pivot about which the hinged arm 35 is able to move relative to the section of the additive release component support structure which retains the capsule.

As shown in FIG. 7, external force exerted on the circumferential surface of the additive release component support structure, applied for example by the user's fingers, results in its deformation, and in particular, movement of the hinged arm 35, pivoting about the weakened section 34, towards the section of the support structure which retains the capsule.

Deformation of the additive release component support structure in this way reduces the internal volume of the support structure, and as a result, the capsule is crushed.

Rupture of the capsule 31 is aided by means of a pointed projection 36 situated on the inner surface of the hinged arm 35. When the hinged arm 35 is induced to pivot towards the capsule 31, force exerted on the capsule is concentrated over a small area, increasing the ease with which the capsule is ruptured.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure according to the third embodiment. The smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material 37, and a filter 38. The filter 38 is a triple filter arrangement, in which the additive release component support structure 30 is situated between two sections of cellulose acetate filter material 39 and 40. The additive release component support structure 30 comprises an additive release component 31, which in this case is a frangible capsule. The filter sections are combined to form the filter 38 by means of a plugwrap (not shown), and attached to the rod of smokeable material 37 by means of a tipping paper (not shown) in a conventional manner.

In use, force exerted on the filter 38 in the region of the additive release component support structure 30, by the user, causes deformation of the support structure, as described above, and rupture of the capsule 31. In this way, the additive carried by the capsule is released, and may be entrained in the smoke that is drawn through the filter by the user.

Smoking article filters may comprise 2 or more additive release component support structures, such as 3, 4, 5, or 6 support structures. In the case of filters comprising multiple support structures, the additive release component carried by each support structure may comprise the same or different additives, and may be of the same or different sizes.

When multiple additive release component support structures are present in a smoking article filter, the support structures may require the same or different forces to be exerted by the user in order to be actuated. This provides the user with the ability to control the degree of additive released as required.

When more than one additive release component support structure is used in a smoking article filter, the support structures may be of the same design, or of different designs. For example, different designs may be used if different forces are to be required for additive release component actuation.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a smoking article according to a fourth embodiment. The smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material 41, and a filter 42. The filter 42 comprises two additive release component support structures 43 of the type described above in respect of the second embodiment. Each support structure comprises an additive release component 44, which in this case is a frangible capsule. In the filter 42, the support structures 43 are situated between two sections of cellulose acetate filter material 45 and 46. The filter sections are combined to form the filter 42 by means of a plugwrap (not shown), and attached to the rod of smokeable material 41 by means of a tipping paper (not shown) in a conventional manner.

In use, force exerted on the filter 42 in the region of the additive release component support structures 43, by the user, causes deformation of the first support structure 43 a, as described above, and rupture of the first capsule 44 a. Further force exerted on the filter in the region of the support structures 43, causes deformation of the second support structure 43 b, and rupture of the second capsule 44 b. In this way, the additive carried by the capsules is released as required in a controllable manner by the user, and may be entrained in the smoke that is drawn through the filter by the user.

FIG. 10 shows a smoking article 50 comprising a cylindrical rod of smokeable material, in this case tobacco 51, and a filter 52. The filter 52 is wrapped in a plugwrap (not shown).

The rod of smokeable material 51 is aligned with the filter 52 such that the end of the tobacco rod 51 abuts the end of the filter 52. The rod is wrapped in a paper wrapper (not shown), and is joined to the filter 52 by tipping paper (not shown) in a conventional manner.

The filter 52 is a triple filter comprising two substantially cylindrical plugs of filter material 53, separated by an additive release component support structure 54 according to a fifth embodiment.

An additive release component 55 is positioned within the support structure 54. In this embodiment the additive release component 55 is a sponge-like material containing an additive. The sponge-like material is coated in a frangible outer shell.

The additive release component support structure 54 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder. The circumference of the cylinder matches or is slightly smaller than that of the smoking article filter 52. Projecting into the central cavity of the cylinder, and dividing the cavity into three equal sectors are three support struts 56. As shown in FIG. 10, each of the sectors is arranged to receive an additive release component 55.

The additive release component support structure 54 comprises in the inner circumferential surface, at the centre of each of the three sectors, a spike 57.

External force exerted on the circumferential surface of the additive release component support structure, applied for example by the user's fingers, results in the deformation of the support structure. In particular, the outer surface of one or more of the sectors between the support struts 56 is forced to adopt a concave configuration.

Deformation in this way reduces the internal volume of that particular sector of the additive release component support structure 54. As a result, the additive release component 55, which is held in the sector of the support structure, is crushed. Due to the presence of the pointed spike 57, as the support structure is induced to deform, force exerted on the additive release component is concentrated over a small area, increasing the ease with which the additive release component is crushed. As the additive release component is crushed, the frangible outer shell is broken, and the additive is squeezed from the sponge-like material into the surrounding filter material 53.

FIG. 11A shows a cross section of a smoking article comprising an additive release component support structure 60 according to a sixth embodiment.

An additive release component 61 is positioned within the additive release component support structure 60. In this embodiment the additive release component is a frangible spherical capsule containing an additive.

The additive release component support structure 60 is substantially the same as that shown in respect of the first embodiment. The only difference is that the present additive release component support structure 60 has no deformable section and does not deform under the application of external force.

The additive release component support structure 60 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder. The circumference of the cylinder matches or is slightly smaller than that of the smoking article filter 63 in which the support structure is to be used.

Projecting into the central cavity of the cylinder are three arms 62. As shown in respect of the first embodiment, (but not shown in FIG. 11A or 11B), the ends of the arms facing the centre of the support structure are shaped to receive the capsule 61.

Where the support structure 10 of the first embodiment comprises in the circumferential surface, two weakened sections 13, the present support structure 60 has a gap 64, as indicated in FIG. 11B. Thus, the additive release component 61 is not fully enclosed by the support structure 60.

In use, external force exerted is on the additive release component support structure 60 at the location of the gap 64, in the direction of arrows B. This force pushes the additive release component 61 against the arms 62 of the support structure 60. As a result, the capsule, which is held in place by the arms 62 of the support structure, is crushed.

Rupture of the capsule 61 is aided by means of a pointed projection 65 situated on the end of the arm 62 opposite the gap 64. Due to the presence of the pointed projection, force exerted on the capsule is concentrated over a small area, increasing the ease with which the capsule is ruptured.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show various embodiments in which the support structure is a fluted tube. The figures illustrate a few of the possible fluted cross-sectional shapes. The fluting is rounded in FIG. 12A, angular in FIG. 12B and square or castellated in FIG. 12C.

In some embodiments, the support structures of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 12A-12C can be described as a petaloid shape having a plurality of joined petals or lobes. Each petal or lobe includes a radially outward segment and two generally radial segments. The radially outward segment has a radially outward surface that is adapted to contact the inner cylindrical surface of the smoking article, and an opposing radially inner surface. The radially outward surface has first and second ends, each of which are attached to a radially outward end portion of one of the generally radial segments. Each generally radial segment, as illustrated, includes the aforementioned radially outward end portion and a radially inward end portion. The radially inward end portions of each petal or lobe is attached to the radially inward end portion of an adjacent petal or lobe. The support thus can act to grasp and retain an additive release component by being radially expanded slightly.

In some embodiments, support structures including those illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C may manufactured by extrusion and are then cut to length.

In some embodiments, the support structures may be produced by suitable techniques including, for example, blow moulding, injection moulding, 3D printing and the use of Rotary Dies may be used. A combination of techniques may be used. These techniques are especially useful for manufacturing the intricate structures such as those illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Examples

5 mm length additive release component support structures containing additive release components in the form of 3.4 mm diameter macro-capsules were prepared.

Filters of 27 mm in length were prepared comprising an additive release component support structure situated between two cellulose acetate filter sections of 10 mm and 12 mm in length.

The filters were then attached to tobacco rods in a conventional manner to produce standard king size test cigarettes.

The additive release component support structures were depressed and the additive released from the macro-capsules. Bound pressure drop of the cigarettes was measured before and after actuation of the additive release component support structure, and the results are given in the table below.

TABLE 1 Pressure Pressure Cigarette Test Cigarette Ven- Drop Drop Circum- Cig- Weight tilation (unbound) (bound) ference arette (g) (%) (mmwg) (mmwg) (mm) Before 1 0.94 0.20 112 112 24.63 actuation 2 0.97 0.10 119 118 24.57 3 0.99 0.10 129 128 24.56 After 1 0.93 0.20 114 113 24.63 actuation 2 0.97 0.20 121 120 24.55 3 0.98 0.10 131 131 24.54

The results indicate that pressure drop is largely unaffected by actuation of the additive release component support structure.

The compressive force required to actuate an additive release component was measured. Additive release components in the form of capsules were crushed without the use of an additive release component support structure, or with the use of the additive release component support structure as described above in the third specific embodiment, and shown in the accompanying FIGS. 6 and 7. The crush strength was measured using a Schleuniger tablet hardness tester, and the results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Crush Method Kp macro capsule alone 2.00 with additive release component support structure 1.30

The results indicate that a much lower crush strength is required to rupture a macro-capsule using an additive release component support structure versus without the use of an additive release component support structure.

Embodiments of the invention are configured to comply with applicable laws and/or regulations, such as, by way of non-limiting example, regulations relating to flavours, additives, emissions, constituents, and/or the like. For example, the invention may be configured such that a smoking article implementing the invention is compliant with applicable regulations before release of an additive, after release of a first additive, and remains compliant after the release of one or more additional additives. Similarly, in embodiments where two or more additives react with each other to generate another substance, the generated substance complies with applicable laws/regulations.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superior additive release, products providing additive release and including the same. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. 

1. A smoking article comprising an additive release system which comprises an additive release component and a support structure, the support structure being configured to cause release of an additive from an additive release component in response to a compressive force, wherein the support structure changes the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure, and wherein the smoking article is produced by a method in which the additive release component is inserted into the support structure, and then a smoking article is produced which comprises the support structure.
 2. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure retains the additive release component.
 3. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure provides a reaction surface against which the additive release component may be compressed.
 4. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a projection, and wherein actuation involves the additive release component and the projection being pressed against one another.
 5. The smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the projection is one of pointed and tapered.
 6. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein actuation of the support structure is accompanied by an audible sound.
 7. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises one of polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and polyvinyl alcohol.
 8. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure has an outer surface, at least part of which is curved.
 9. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure has a cavity arranged to receive the additive release component.
 10. The smoking article according to claim 9, wherein the support structure comprises a resiliently deformable section.
 11. The smoking article according to claim 9, wherein the support structure comprises a plastically deformable section.
 12. The smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the deformable section comprises a projection.
 13. The smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the deformable section has the form of a hinged arm.
 14. The smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the region of deformation of the support structure is not predefined.
 15. The smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the deformable section is a section of the outer surface.
 16. The smoking article according to claim 15, wherein the deformable section is formed between two weakened sections in the outer surface.
 17. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure reduces the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure.
 18. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the support structure increases the compressive force required to cause release of the additive from the additive release component compared to the force required to release the additive from the same additive release component in the absence of the support structure. 19-21. (canceled)
 22. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the additive release component carries a flavourant.
 23. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the additive release component comprises an outer shell and an inner core.
 24. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the shell of the additive release component is one of frangible, resiliently deformable and plastically deformable.
 25. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the additive release component comprises a sponge-like material.
 26. The smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the article comprises a filter comprising the additive release system.
 27. The smoking article according to claim 26, wherein the filter comprises a composite filter.
 28. The smoking article according to claim 26, wherein the filter comprises an indicator to indicate the area of the filter on which force should be applied in order to actuate the support structure.
 29. The smoking article according to claim 26, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of the additive release systems. 30-32. (canceled)
 33. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, comprising inserting an additive release component into a support structure to produce an additive release system, and then producing a smoking article comprising the additive release system. 